Raleigh, N.C. (Oct. 7, 10 a.m.)—North Carolina's electric cooperatives are monitoring conditions and are prepared to respond if power outages occur as Hurricane Matthew moves north. Line crews from electric cooperatives serving coastal communities, as well as cooperatives serving inland areas of eastern North Carolina, are positioned and ready to respond. Crews from peer electric cooperatives in other parts of the state are ready to move in to help affected co-ops as conditions warrant.

Although Hurricane Matthew is forecasted to stay offshore, a significant portion of southeastern North Carolina could experience heavy rain and gusty winds. The ground in this area is already saturated from rain and flooding last week, creating prime conditions for toppling trees that could bring down power lines as Matthew moves closer.

If you encounter a fallen, sparking or sagging power line, do not touch it. Always assume that powerlines are energized and dangerous. Report damaged power lines or poles to your local electric cooperative or call 911 immediately. Stay away from flooded areas. If you see cooperative crews working on the side of the road, slow down and leave plenty of space.

Electric cooperative members are encouraged to charge up their cell phones and keep their co-op’s outage reporting number accessible. The outage reporting phone numbers for the state’s 26 electric cooperatives can be found at www.ncelectriccooperatives.com/storm/outages.htm.

North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives collectively serve approximately 2.5 million people in 93 of the state’s 100 counties.Six electric cooperatives serve 16 North Carolina beaches, and many more serve hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses in other parts of eastern North Carolina.